"Tomorrow is Halloween," Margaret noted. "We should have the usual parade of trick-or-treaters on our doorstep. Spock, would you like to greet them 'in costume' and hand out candy?"

Nervous snickering surrounded the table. Allen almost choked on his wine. "Margaret, you have to warn me before you do that!"

Spock turned to his aunt, eyebrow raised. "I believe it is more prudent that I observe the practice from the living room."

"Very well," Margaret smirked. "Let us know if you change your mind."

"I'm looking forward to seeing real trick-or-treating," said Nyota. "They used to trick-or-treat at the bars near the Academy, but it wasn't for candy."

"I suppose you didn't hit the bars," Allen said to Spock.

"No. I found it more conducive to complete lab work, as few others scheduled their work at that time."

"Getting drunk doesn't sound like my idea of a good time, either" said Norah. "I think that you'll find this bit of culture interesting, though. It enhances societal bonding by integrating younger members into a wider social group. Younger children learn how to interact with neighbors and friends. There is a protocol in place, so everyone knows what is expected from the interaction."

"So speaks our sociology professor," finished Allen.

"I can't help it," laughed Norah. "Observing interactions and groups is my business, and I thought Spock would appreciate the summary."

"She gets her observation genes from Mom," Alaina pointed out. "Just wait until our wedding when our families meet. Mom will paint it, and Norah will do a dissertation on it."

"Very funny. Speaking of painting, Spock, we need to plan some portrait time tomorrow. And, speaking of weddings, Alaina and Safi, have you two decided on a date yet?" Margaret asked. "We have to start letting people know about it so they can put it on their calendars."

"No, not yet," said Safi. "Our first choice is early September, but I have to plan around a symposium I need to attend. The sponsors haven't set those dates yet. I expect that they will within the next two weeks."

"Good, finally!" said Alaina. "Spock, Nyota, do you think you will be anywhere near Earth at that time? We'd love to have you there. I can't imagine a wedding without my big brother!"

"You'll have fun explaining that one to Safi's family," Allen laughed.

Spock and Alaina's eyes met, and Alaina laughed. She wondered how she would do that.

"We don't know where we'll be," said Nyota. "If we're nearby and can get leave, I'd love to go."

"That is desirable," Spock agreed.

"If you two married, where would your wedding be? Earth or at the Vulcan colony?" Norah asked.

Spock looked away and tensed inside.

Norah knew immediately that she should not have asked. "Oh, Spock, I'm sorry. Vulcan culture is more private than ours. I should have thought before I opened my mouth."

Spock met Norah's eyes in acknowledgment, nodded, but remained quiet. She was correct about his cultural conditioning, but his discomfort came more from living a life spent under observation, his recent celebrity, the years hiding this relationship at the Academy, and the need for him and Nyota to maintain decorum as bridge officers.

"It's OK, Norah," Nyota said. "There's Vulcan culture, but we're also a little sensitive to certain personal questions because of all the media attention. Spock gets the worst of it. And we get intrusive questions from strangers and acquaintances all the time who have no business asking the things they ask. I hope you're not offended."

"Oh, no, I'm not," Norah assured. "Aunt Amanda and Uncle Sarek told me about some of their run-ins with the media and busybodies. And I saw a lot of the garbage that the tabloids wrote about them. I get it. Mom, didn't the press destroy the lawn once?"

"It was terrible. We couldn't even enjoy a nice family visit," said Margaret. "And sometimes we had more trouble with the security people than we did with the reporters."

-o0o-

[32 years previously]

Allen peered out the window. The throng of reporters and camerapeople seemed to have grown during the last hour. An advance group of private security stood ready across from a line of local law enforcement officers, which held back the crowd. "She must be getting close. The vampires look like they're getting ready to feed," he sighed to Margaret as they waited for her sister's arrival. "She has got to hate this."

"I hate this," said Margaret. "Isn't there something the police could do?"

"They can only keep them off our property. The sidewalks and street are public."

Margaret shook her head. "Perhaps enforcing some law about disturbing the peace?"

"They can only do so much," Allen replied. "Maybe Sarek's security people will scare them off."

Suddenly the throng erupted into a frenzy as a string of black vehicles rounded the corner. The police held back the jostling crowd as the vehicles—a limousine sandwiched between two large security skimmers—pulled up to the front walkway. Once in place, several security personnel, Vulcan and Terran, exited the outer vehicles, securing the walkway. The Terrans formed a perimeter to deal with the crowd. Two Vulcans walked up to the limo, one opened the door, the other stood with luggage in hand.

They flanked the young human woman who stepped out of the vehicle maintaining a blank face. She did not look at the press, who shouted questions and comments at her to draw her attention. Swiftly and businesslike, the trio walked up to the door, which Allen opened before they could knock to allow them quicker entry. Allen shut it as soon as they were in.

"I am Stiran," said one of the Vulcans brusquely before the humans could exchange greetings. Tall and broad, Stiran had an imposing presence that immediately commanded attention. His olive skin, dark hair, sharp features, and penetrating eyes made him look his part, no doubt drawing his subordinates into complete compliance. "I am supervising Miss Grayson's security. May I have your permission to station officers around the perimeter of your property for the duration of Miss Grayson's visit?"

The other Vulcan set Amanda's luggage down in the foyer and stood at attention.

"Of course," said Allen, relieved for the help. He had already caught a trespasser in the back yard that morning. These two looked like they knew their jobs, which made him feel better. "Can you do a sweep for monitoring devices, too?"

"It is a standard precaution," Stiran replied. He turned on his heel with the other Vulcan in tow and walked out the front door, leaving the three humans to themselves.

"Thank heavens!" breathed Margaret. "I never thought you were going to get here!"

"I'm sorry about all this," Amanda said, her face breaking into happiness as she took her sister into a warm hug. "I have no idea how the media found out I was coming."

"We're glad to have you," Allen assured. "So, you're dating some guy. Seriously, some of these people really need to get a life. What's the big deal?"

They all laughed. Dating the Vulcan ambassador was a "big deal"—at least the tabloids thought so. Even the mainstream press showed interest in the influence this development could have on Vulcan-Terran diplomatic relations, so Amanda was never left in peace.

"I'll bring your bags upstairs," said Allen. "Do you need anything? Refreshments?"

"Oh, I could use a shot of whiskey!" Amanda laughed. "Or maybe some chamomile tea this time of day. Anything to settle down. Ugh! It never ends! Stiran is a capable security officer, but he's not the best confidante when I need to vent," she joked.

Margaret took Amanda's arm. "Why don't we go into the kitchen…I'll get the water started. Allen, you—"

"HEY!" yelled a voice outside.

A scuffle broke out outside at the front of the house. Two security officers rushed in through the front door, one Vulcan, one Terran, and flanked Amanda again. They heard arguing on the doorstep, several Terran voices rose in response to calm Vulcan ones. A minute later Stiran entered.

"Dr. Markham, Ms. Grayson. There is an individual claiming to be a member of the local law enforcement authority. He says that you can confirm this."

"I'll go see," said Margaret. She recognized the officer on her doorstep surrounded by hired security. Out on the street, officers from the local department crouched with weapons drawn. "Yes, we know him. Let him go. Nate," she addressed the officer, "come inside."

Stiran blocked the door. "Ms. Grayson, I do not recommend—"

"Stand aside," said Margaret. "It's my house, and he's my guest. I've known him for years. So has my sister." Margaret looked out at the assembled enforcement officers. "For crying out loud," she yelled, "put those things down! We don't need more clowns at this circus."

The Vulcan eyed the "intruder," but stiffly moved to allow Margaret and her guest to pass inside. In front of the crowd, the commanding officer ordered his forces to stand down. The cameras continued to whirr and click. Margaret was disgusted with the whole scene.

"You," she addressed Stiran, "inside."

As soon as everyone was in, Margaret closed the door.

"Nathan Birkholtz?" Amanda said. "Is that you? And a police sergeant at that! That's wonderful!"

"Hi, Amanda," he said warmly, yet keeping a wary eye on Stiran. "Great to see you again. Hate to be abrupt, but I have to talk business. The lieutenant sent me because I know you. We need your security force to coordinate with our department. We've tried to approach this gentleman here"—he indicated Stiran—"but he hasn't been very receptive. It would make it easier to deal with the mayhem if we knew where his people were, and they knew where we were. They have rights under diplomatic law to provide for your security as they see fit, but we would be more effective working together if we didn't step on each other's toes, you know?"

"That is up to Stiran," Amanda stated. "However, I am sure that he can see the logic and diplomatic necessity in cooperation. Is this agreeable, Stiran?" If he did not, Amanda would have to call Sarek. She did not want her security detail causing a diplomatic incident in her family's own community.

"We will discuss the viability of such arrangements," Stiran said aloofly. "Sergeant Birkholtz, if you would accompany me."

"Back to work," said Birkholtz. "Nice seeing you again, Amanda. Thanks, Margaret."

"Nice to see you, too, Nathan," said Amanda. "Take care."

Stiran, Birkholtz, and the other security officers left, leaving Margaret, Allen, and Amanda alone again.

"Well," Allen mused. "That Stiran's certainly thorough. But I thought that these security folks were supposed to be less intrusive."

"Wait until he sends in the food tasters," Amanda said.

"What?!" Margaret and Allen exclaimed.

Amanda broke out laughing. "Sorry, couldn't resist…you should have seen your faces!"

"Oh, you're a hoot," Margaret huffed sarcastically. "You don't pull that stuff on your boyfriend, do you?"

"No," she said. "His humor is more sophisticated."

"And we're not? Thanks a lot, Amanda," laughed Allen. "Now we're really feeling the love. Maybe we should just take you up to your room and leave you there."

"I wouldn't mind getting settled," she teased back.

From the study the comm station beeped. "I better go check it," said Margaret. Allen was halfway up the stairway with Amanda when Margaret called. "Allen!"

"Now what?" he asked.

"That was our new neighbor, Gladissa Garvin. She says there are Vulcan security guys in her back yard and she's concerned. What do you think should I tell her?"

Allen sighed. "I better go have a chat with Stiran, show him where the boundaries are. Then I'll go over and apologize to Gladissa and let her know what's up. If we see her house in the real estate listings tomorrow, I won't be surprised."

"Oh, Allen, I'm sorry," said Amanda.

"Awww, don't sweat it. I'm kidding." Allen continued up the stairway with Amanda's bags so she could begin unpacking. "It's a new, 'illogical' experience for us all. I think we're going to need some more practice with this. Stiran, too."

-o0o-

"Stiran got better at handling Terran-style security," said Margaret. "Over the years he and Nate managed to work together whenever Amanda and Sarek came to town. He was a detail nut, but he never did send in any food tasters!"

"That's about the only thing he didn't do," Allen smirked. "He was just doing his job, so I couldn't get too annoyed with him."

"I'm glad we haven't needed a security detail," Nyota said. "The press is bad enough."

"Sorry you have to live through that," Norah sympathized. "Aunt Amanda said that she hated people poking into her and Uncle Sarek's relationship, especially when they made things up. I'd hate to have people pry into my life, not that they would—it's kind boring!"

"I am surprised that the media has not pried into your relationship," said Allen.

"I don't think that they know about it," she said. "I have never seen or read anything linking Spock and me as anything other than colleagues. They usually link me with Jim Kirk." She shook her head. "As if!"

The humans laughed. Spock tensed, not that anyone other than Nyota could tell that he did. She decided that it was wise to change the subject.

"Maybe Alaina and Safi can tell us more about what they are planning for their ceremony," Nyota suggested. "I'd love to hear about it."

Safi and Alaina enthusiastically took up the subject, outlining some of their ideas about the African and Irish traditions they planned to incorporate into the celebrations. Nyota's thoughts, however, were now elsewhere. Over the past week, she and Spock had begun to know Allen and Margaret's family as well as the extended Grayson clan. They had talked about their work, their views, hobbies, likes and dislikes. In doing so, Spock had reached beyond his typical comfort zones on many levels, and Nyota was proud of his efforts.

However he continued to introduce her as his "friend," a designation everyone else had adopted for her although everyone knew that she was much more, which he was reticent to acknowledge openly. If he—they—were to form the familial relationships that Spock had admitted to wanting, they needed to open up more about "the elephant in the room"—their relationship.

"Let's enjoy our dessert in the living room," Margaret suggested, breaking into Nyota's thoughts after Safi finished talking about the long guest list. East African families included many, many cousins, after all.

"I'll build a fire," said Allen. "Norah, would you help your mother with the tea?"

Margaret and Norah went to the kitchen. Everyone else made their way across the foyer toward the living room.

Nyota touched Spock's arm to make him pause before exiting the dining room. She turned to him and spoke quietly in Vulcan. "We are within family, not at work or in public. The nature of our relationship is obvious, thus our discussion was within bounds. We need to be more open."

"Discussion of such matters is difficult," he said quietly. "We have endeavored to remain discreet."

"I know. But we cannot form a familial connection without opening ourselves to a greater degree. And I do not want to keep all facets of our life as a couple secret any longer," she said, just realizing this herself. "You are the most important relationship in my life. We should not remain hidden from our families and our friends."

I wish to avoid becoming the subject of intrusive observation and prurient conjecture," Spock replied.

"Margaret, Allen, and your cousins are trustworthy and do not engage in prurient conjecture. They are not the media. I do not suggest that we expose our deepest, most intimate secrets," she said, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks as she thought of one before recovering her train of thought, "but I believe that we can share something of ourselves with them. This would strengthen our connection to this family. And it would make me happy."

Spock considered.

"They have shown that they accept us. Sharing some of ourselves demonstrates that we accept them also. Do you agree?"

"I do," he replied hesitantly. He recognized her wisdom in this even if he did not completely understand the need to share details that Vulcans considered on his observations of human behavior and things Nyota had told him in the past, though, her words made sense. During the week he had come to value his mother's family. As difficult as it would be, he would attempt this adjustment. He trusted Nyota not to divulge anything that would violate a Vulcan taboo.

Truth be told, he understood her desire. Life would be easier if they no longer had to conceal themselves. The two of them expended inordinate energies in looking over their shoulders whenever they interacted, making intricate plans for avoiding suspicion whenever they attended events on the ship or in public. The majority of their interactions were hidden in his quarters or hers. She wanted others to know that he was hers, and she was his. He wanted the same. Within this family they could safely do so.

In a way, it was a relief.

Safi tried to observe them surreptitiously as he guided Alaina to a place next to him on the sofa. The even tones of spoken Vulcan intrigued Safi. From Nyota's slight facial expressions, he believed that she was trying to talk him into something, but one would never know it from the minimal intonation in their words. He hoped that, whatever the issue was, it was not serious. Nyota and Spock seemed like a nice couple, even if they were guarded.

Pleasant conversation filled the rest of the evening. Spock returned to a less pensive state, even when Margaret and Allen told more family stories. Finally, it was late. As Norah, Alaina, and Safi took their leave, the three cousins agreed to remain in active contact.

"I will miss you, Big Brother," Alaina said, smiling.

"Sa-kai," Spock supplied.

"What does that mean?"

"That means 'brother,'" said Nyota to Alaina's delight. "That makes you ko-kai."

"Sa-kai," Alaina repeated. "You be careful out there. I want to see you at our wedding!"

"You have our comm numbers," said Norah. "We expect to hear from you two. And, yeah, stay safe!"

"We will endeavor to do so," Spock replied, then held his hand in the Vulcan salute. "Dif-tor heh smusma."

Alaina laughed, holding her hand in return. "I think I even know the response: Sochya eh dif."

Spock nodded in approval. Alaina was pleased.

"Take care of yourselves. It was wonderful meeting you at last!" said Safi.

"Bye!" said Margaret and Allen.

The foursome returned to the living room and the warm glow of the fire. Nyota and Spock found places on the sofa. She leaned into him slightly, but he remained calm and relaxed. Allen and Margaret pretended not to notice.

It was satisfying.